Getty acquires 69 Herb Ritts photographs

The Getty's acquisition includes photographs of nudes, celebrity portraits, and images made for high-fashion ad campaigns, says the release. Included in the collection is this portrait of Richard Gere, which Ritts credits with launching his photography career. Ritts knew Gere's girlfriend at the time, in 1977.

The Getty says other highlights of the acquisition include Greg Louganis, Hollywood (1985), a portrait of the American Olympic diver; Wrapped Torso, Los Angeles (1988), which shows off a dress by Japanese designer Issey Mikaye; and Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood (1989), "an iconic image that has come to define the era of the Supermodel." Images from the new collection will be featured in an exhibition opening at the Getty Center in April 2012.

Photo: "Richard Gere, San Bernardino, Herb Ritts, 1977." The J. Paul Getty Museum, 2011.18.20. Gift of Herb Ritts Foundation. © Herb Ritts Foundation